Vanillier a major player
| Published date | 10 April 2024 |
| Publication title | Weekender |
Coko Beach Trainer Gordon Elliott Age 9 Weight 11-7 A good jumper who is at his best on soft ground, he's enjoyed an excellent season,
notably beating subsequent Mares' Chase winner Limerick Lace in the Troytown at Navan, either side of two highly respectable placed efforts in the Munster National and over these obstacles in the Becher Chase. His two previous attempts in this event (well beaten eighth in 2022 and pulled up in 2023) temper enthusiasm, however, and he's higher in the weights this time around.
..... Nassalam Trainer Gary Moore Age 7 Weight 11-7 Mudlark who has been a revelation since fitted with blinkers. He got some experience over these fences when fourth in the Grand Sefton in November and built on that when running out an emphatic 34-length winner of the Welsh Grand National on bottomless ground over Christmas. Outclassed in the Gold Cup last time, his chance hinges on the degree to which the ground is testing.
Otherwise, he looks handicapped out
of it..... Corach Rambler Trainer Lucinda Russell Age 10 Weight 11-5 Last year's hero is back for another crack and unsuprisingly heads the market on the back of his career-best third in the Gold Cup. It was a courageous effort, but he crossed the line legless and there must be a chance that race will leave its mark. Is 3lb well in but still 13lb higher than last season and, while he holds obvious claims, he's priced accordingly.....
I Am Maximus Trainer Willie Mullins Age 8 Weight 11-5 Produced a power-packed finish to land the Irish Grand National last year and he's a fascinating contender for this English equivalent on the back of an easy victory in the Bobbyjo Chase last time. His Grade 1 Drinmore success over Found A Fifty in December is another piece of form that catches the eye. He has a tendency to run in snatches and his jumping is dubious, but he's a massive danger if getting into any sort of rhythm over a trip he'll relish..... Janidil Trainer Willie Mullins Age 10 Weight 11-5 Lightly raced in recent years and arrives here fresher than most. Never threatened when chasing home Allaho on his return in the Clonmel Oil Chase and has disappointed in both starts subsequently. He
remains on a stiff mark and stamina has to be a major concern..... Minella Indo Trainer Henry de Bromhead Age 11 Weight 11-5 A former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, who doesn't look overburdened off a mark of 159 given his past exploits. He was the ante-post favourite for the abandoned Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on the back of a fourth in a previous Cheltenham...
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